Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage - Spokane, WA

Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage - Spokane, WA is organizing this fundraiser to benefit Churches for Middle East Peace.

Tax deductible

This Lent, a global movement is journeying in prayerful solidarity with the Palestinian people of Gaza. We journey with grief over the tragic events of October 7 that deepened the trauma of our Jewish kin. We journey in lament over the asymmetrical violence in response that is resulting in a human catastrophe in Gaza. We journey on Holy Saturday - a moment within the Christian tradition where we wait with grief, lament, and hesitant hope. We journey in the effort to dismantle the strongholds of Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia that are on the rise in our communities. We journey, fueled by our faith, committed to the sanctity of every human life, and toward a future where reconciliation replaces revenge.

With the ultimate goal of a lasting, just peace for Israelis and Palestinians, we will journey the length of the Gaza Strip (approximately 25 miles) through Greater Spokane on March 30, 2024. This pilgrimage mirrors the journey that so many in Gaza have been forced by violence to endure. Along the way, we will offer sacred pauses which will be accessible across creeds and traditions.

All are welcome and are encouraged to walk/roll any or all of this distance. You can find all the details on how to participate here: https://fb.me/e/3zBCvo8Bi

Our movement is driven by the following desired outcomes:

An enduring, sustained, and comprehensive ceasefire between the governments of Israel and Hamas
The immediate flow of life-saving food, water, aid, fuel, and humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip
The release of all hostages - both the Israelis held by Hamas and the Palestinians held unjustly within the Israeli prison system
An end of the occupation so that a just peace may begin and a mutual flourishing for Palestinians and Israelis may be possible

Where does the money go?

All funds raised during the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage - Spokane will go to Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) led by Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, which will disburse the donations among these three areas:

Humanitarian relief efforts in the Gaza Strip, including food, water, medical supplies, and shelter. These funds will, in part, be distributed by CMEP’s board denominations working on the ground in Gaza to Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), and the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) which have long-standing presences there. Other funds will be allocated to trusted humanitarian organizations working in Gaza, as recommended by partners, colleagues, and board denominations.
Support efforts for Palestinian refugees seeking safety in the United States and Canada with little or no government support. These funds will be distributed with the help of our 30+ board denominations and organizations that are active across both countries.
Support CMEP’s church-based educational programming and advocacy efforts in the U.S. and Canada. Some examples of these efforts include meetings with communities across the U.S. to discuss the war and its consequences; D.C.-based advocacy with congressional offices, State Department officials, and the White House; and the development of educational resources and briefings used by CMEP’s constituents around the world. CMEP’s mobilization efforts include gatherings like previous White House prayer vigils calling for a ceasefire and ending all violence. All of our work is done in close consultation with our partners on the ground in the Holy Land.

Want to journey with us? More details here: https://fb.me/e/3zBCvo8Bi